Putnam Co. man pleads guilty to possession of a firearm | Crime

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An Eatonton man entered a guilty plea Thursday for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in a Macon district court.

Christian MacKean, 37, was driving a pick-up truck in August of 2013 when he was pulled over in Monroe County for speeding, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's office. He refused to show his driver's license or his insurance card, the release states. McKean reached for something and the officer who stopped him noticed a bulge under his shirt, the release states, and suspected there was a weapon. The officer called for backup.

When a second officer arrived, she saw the handle of a black gun on McKean's side. During the stop, the release states, it was learned MacKean had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for parole violations. While searching his car, it was also found that McKean had a loaded pistol on his person and a loaded rifle in the truck. Two plastic bags of meth were also found in the truck, the release states.

A background check revealed McKean having previous felony convictions for possession and trafficking of meth, as well as cocaine possession, the release states. He's facing a maximum sentence of 120 months in prison and a maximum fine of $250,00 for both offenses. He's currently serving time in Putnam County, the release states. He pled guilty Thursday before Judge Marc Treadwell, the U.S. District Court judge in Macon, the release states.

"Due to his prior criminal conduct, Mr. MacKean lost his right to possess a firearm," U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said in a statement. "In addition, he not only illegally possess a handgun and assault weapon in this case but did so along with one of our most dangerous illicit drugs. At least for the term of the sentence he faces, he will not be a further threat to the safety of the public in this way."